When our group was founded in early 2009, we adopted the following mission statement. Since its early adoption, it has only been revised in a couple of small but important ways; we wanted to strengthen its language regarding sovereignty and property rights and more accurately reflect the concept of “originalism”:

Our mission is to actively promote a return to Constitutional government according to its original meaning, as the most effective avenue to encourage public policy that promotes personal responsibility, protects individual liberty and property, and guarantees limited government, sovereignty, and free markets.

For our clarity as a group and to improve our communications with others, a number of GiN's most active and committed members developed a list of principles. Whenever we have questions about priorities, actions, or policy issues, we refer to that mission statement and principles.

Inside the barrier at Independence Hall, August, 2009

A personal note: I have included a photo here from 2009 when I was traveling for work on a documentary film. I don't include this photo because I am eager to share an image of myself - I think I look pretty disheveled, actually. I simply wish to share a moment of rare privilege and awe with readers. We obtained a special permit to film inside Independence Hall, so we were able to go inside the barrier of the room where the public is not allowed. Of course it was worth a crack-of-dawn wake-up with little sleep and hours of driving the night before (hence the disheveled). I will never forget my experience standing in the place where the Constitution was debated, written, and signed. We were not allowed to touch anything, of course, but just standing inches away from that chair was memorable enough. I was exceedingly grateful that I had spent so much time studying the history (one of the many blessings of homeschooling ones' children with a classical curriculum) associated with that room before I visited it; it renewed my respect for the blessing it is to be born in this country.

Our respect for and attention to the Constitution comes from our assessment that the document was written based upon a thorough understanding of history and an acknowledgment of human nature. The Constitution, provided us - We the People - with the unique opportunity to control our own destinies and to have a government that was and is a reflection of our character.

Truth by Jules Joseph Lefebvre, 1870

Some changes made to the Constitution, especially during the early Progressive era that began just over a century ago we assess as upsetting some important checks and balances. Too many elected officials increasingly fail to consider whether or not their actions and voting decisions are in pursuance of the Constitution. Despite these facts, the brilliance of the government envisioned by the men who worked through the sweltering heat of that 1787 summer in Philadelphia seems to have allowed for many more changes and follies even beyond what we can see at present. Our system still largely reflects the character of the people.

If we are dissatisfied with the direction of our government and the people who run it, We the People, even still, have it within our power to change it. In the same way, we can see that our Congress, for instance, still retains within its grasp the ability to rein in the bureaucratic morass it has created, if only it would choose to act.

If we are going to communicate with our elected officials regarding their rhetoric, their actions, and their votes, it seems we should always include questions about how they arrived at these decisions and whether or not any consideration was given to the document that is the authoritative source governing their actions.

Since the Constitution in its original meaning plays a key role in our decision making and analysis here at GiN, we often refer to primary source documents.

Click for PDF version

Since we are Grassroots in Nebraska, it is necessary, of course, to consult our state's constitution. Although today is the anniversary of the U.S. Constitution, it seems relevant to mention the document that is supposed to govern this state. A worthy exercise for Nebraskans concerned about the size and reach of state government is a comparison of the Nebraska Constitution with that of our federal government. As mentioned at the beginning of this article, we have been writing in depth about Nebraska politics; we have asserted that Nebraska has a ruling class whose ruling party is the Republican Party and whose policies are largely Progressive. In our anchor article of the series to date, we assert that the Unicameral system in our state, designed by Progressives nearly a century ago, is a key problem in assuring a ruling class elite that is necessarily Progressive. Nebraska's Constitution was largely re-written in 1919 - 1920 to change the system to the one that exists today.

As we celebrate the existence of our federal constitution as Nebraskans, considering whether or not our state's constitution in its present form sufficiently embodies the principles envisioned in 1787, seems a question worth pondering.

Resources for those interested in Constitutional study and reflection (some examples of the kinds of resources we use):

In addition, we recommend checking out a series of classes, "Introduction to the Constitution", already in progress, offered by Hillsdale College’s Kirby Center. It appears registration is still available, and any missed activities, including today's introductory celebration event, may be watched at a future date online. There is no cost for this course. While we do not know the contents of this new offering, it should be thought provoking.

Christy's Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States

I will end here, as we often do, with some music. Several years ago, my oldest son reminded me that America's original national anthem was not the Star Spangled Banner. Although I knew the current anthem was not the first, I didn't know the name nor had I heard it played until he shared it with me. For those who may also be interested, I have included two versions of Hail Columbia, one with vocals and an instrumental version (e-mail subscribers, each song is linked). Enjoy.